Emirates, Etihad spread happiness among passengers

Dubai/Abu Dhabi - The airlines upgraded passengers to business class, much to their delight.

Today is International Happiness Day, and two of UAE's -- and the world's -- leading airlines have gone the extra mile to ensure they happy customers fly with wider smiles on their faces.

Dubai-based Emirates and Abu Dhabi's Etihad surprised customers by upgrading some of them to Business class, while offering tickets to employees as well.

Across its boarding gates at Terminal 3 this morning, Emirates delighted unsuspecting passengers travelling from and transiting in Dubai with Business Class upgrades, a simple gesture to make their journey extra special.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group said: "Happiness means different things to different people. Many find happiness in constantly challenging themselves to achieve new goals, learning new skills, or nurturing strong relationships in their personal and professional lives. Most times, all it really takes is to simply share a smile. It's one of the most powerful human gestures. We're fortunate that our leaders in the UAE fully understand the power of happy people."

Employees of the Emirates Group were also given a little surprise today, as the company announced that eligible employees would be given one free service-related ticket to any destination on the airline's route network.

In the Capital, a piano performance took place at Abu Dhabi International Airport on Terminal 3 by the first UAE national female music composer, Eman Al Hashimi, while two guests were the lucky winners of an Etihad Airways upgrade.

Mubarak Al Jneibi and Jumaa Al Jneibi were welcomed by Etihad Airways management at the airport to surprise them with the gift.

Etihad Airways' commitment to providing unrivalled customer service, comfort and excellence across the board firmly positions them as one of the world's premier airline providers.